San Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, is a synonymous of a glamorous lifestyle in which the “Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra” plays a quite important role.
Like in many other coastal towns, the origin of San Sebastian is related with fishing activities and the “La Concha” bay acting as a natural safe haven for traditional local fishing boats ultimately explains the success and prosperity of the town.
However, when we look around we mostly see buildings dated after the 1800’s and one can wonder why.
The reason, although not obvious, is not rare on this part of the world. After a siege that took place in 1813, where the combined Portuguese and English troops successfully fought against the Napoleon army, the city was almost completely destroyed by the winners.
As you can imagine, San Sebastian had to be rebuilt after that sad event.
It also happen that the Queen Maria Cristina had to spend some time in the city recommended by her doctor due to her health condition.
The queen enjoyed so much the town that started to spend more time around here and that alone attracted other aristocratic members and European wealthy people in general.
Was in this context that the building that today we know as the “Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra” was constructed in the middle of the XIX century.
Initially was a private own palace and at a certain moment became an hospital, during one of the Carlistas wars.
During the beginning of the XX century was adapted to become an hotel.
Today we can find a hotel with an elegant classic decoration although very modern in all the ways you can think about.
The Hotel had many distinct guests until now. Anyway, in its long list there is one that, in my opinion, stands out and completely fits the hotel’s environment, I’m referring to the famous and mysterious spy Mata Hari.
The hotel rooms are very elegant and classy, the restaurant has an excellent service with very nice quality/price relation in what concerns dinner and lunches. Breakfast here is a treat, the proper way to start your day.
The best of the hotel is the their staff, no doubt about it.
In these years I’ve been staying here with guests, as you can imagine, many situations occurred that I needed their help … in fact at the end is always the guest that has the need and the hotel staff always faced the problems with a tender smile and a eager to help.
If you stayed in this hotel please let me know your opinion. My opinion is clear, is an excellent hotel.
David Monteiro
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